Kentucky's performance vs. Kent State and my insight into this season

[Matt McGuire]

First of all, my thoughts on teh Kentucky Wildcats vs. Kent State and their upcoming game vs. UL:

*Walter, Woodson's sacks are his own fault. He is getting plenty of time in the pocket but he isn't throwing the ball away. 213 passes w/o an INT...2 more and he sets the SEC record...but this doesn't tell the whole story. The reason why Andre' doesn't throw INTs is because he holds onto the ball in the pocket too long and takes the sack as opposed to panicing and throwing the ball up for grabs (I call this the Favre Effect).

Now, better a sack than an INT any day, but Woodson must improve his decision making when it comes to throwing the ball away. I was impressed with Woodson vs. Kent State because a few times he tucked it and ran with the ball more quickly than he has in the past. I think he might be able to show his mobility a bit this season if he continues his progress. Woodson didn't have a great game vs. Kent State, 17-22, but that is because imo that Kent State runs a 4-2-5 defense and it is just really hard to throw the ball on a Cover 3.

*Keenan Burton might just be the best route runner in college football. He made a few CBs look silly tonight. Burton has a knack for getting open and he has very good hands and a high concentration level. He doesn't give up on any pass. Sometimes balls are obviously gonna go OOB but then Burton actually makes a play on the ball and he almost comes down with it. If Burton has a good 40 time, he is a likely first round pick because his route running ability and the fact that he is a true student of the game. Coaches love these WRs...Reminds me of Chad Johnson coming out of Oregon State, I don't think Burton can be a #1 WR in the NFL, but he can be a damn good #2 or #3.

*One player, if he stays healthy, has a legit shot of being a darkhorse first rounder as an underclassmen for UK. Myron Pryor (6'3 305 4.88) is displaying excellent strength, quickness, and lateral movement. He could be a combine warrior. The next DeWayne Robertson? Maybe, but I don't see him going in the top 10. If he keeps racking up the stats he has a chance to be a top 20 pick. Pryor can play in a Cover 2 defense and any other 4-3. The 3-4 is a very poor fit for him, Walter he is not a 3-4 player so don't go there. In the mold of Tommie Harris.

*I raved about Micah Johnson last week and this week the rave continues. He played hurt but he was a big impact. The defense just has so much attitude when MJ is in at MLB for the Cats. He is a great tackler and he is showing good awareness in coverage. Seems to always be around the ball and he has a very good spurt to keep up with smaller, athletic RBs. Johnson is a freak of an athlete, and as he gets more experience this season he will really shine in some big games imo.

*Idk what is wrong with Wesley Woodyard, he isn't his normal self imo. His size is clearly a problem. Sometimes he just can't wrap up because he lacks teh frame. Idk if he can gain the weight to be a LBer in the NFL. He hasn't in college why would this change in the pros? Might have to move to SS...likely a late round pick because he is a boom or bust player.

[Mark]

Lol, is everybody on the UK roster going to be a first round pick?

[Matt McGuire]

I mean, I tell it like I see it. Micah Johnson isn't elligible till 2009, and of those players i mentioned only Burton, Woodson, and Pryor (probably staying for senior year, but who knows) are potential first rounders.

3 players is hardly a lot.

[Walter]

I list Woodyard as a safety. I don't know what he's still doing playing linebacker.

[Walter]

Thanks for the write-up. How serious do you think Andre' Woodson's "Rob Johnson Syndrome" is?

[Matt McGuire]

I list Woodyard as a safety. I don't know what he's still doing playing linebacker.

Woodyard is a really good college LBer. He is the heart of the defense. Plus, UK has a few really young, talented safetys.

[Matt McGuire]

Thanks for the write-up. How serious do you think Andre' Woodson's "Rob Johnson Syndrome" is?

I mean, towards the end of last season Woodson did a good job of throwing the ball away. NFL Offensive Coordinators would rather have Woodson take sacks than throw picks. Also, I'm not that enthralled with Joker Phillips (UK's OC) play calling lately. Horrible job of play calling after the first series in the first half vs. Kent State.

Also, remember that Woodson is still very young in terms of playing the QB position and making decisions. "Um, he has played QB since his pee wee days right?"

Okay, what I mean by this statement is, like I have stated before Woodson didn't learn much about offense in high school. Came to UK and ran the option for Ron Hudson. He has been through 3 different offensive coordinators. He didn't have a QBs coach as a froshman or RS freshman.

This is compared to the High School QB in a great offensive system that requires making reads and grasping the nuances of the QB position. He goes to a big program and has a genius of an offensive coordinator and a very good QBs coach.

Woodson never has had this luxury. Also, the talent around him really really lacked his first few years. Guys like Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, Brian Brohm, etc. step into ultra talented offenses with massive OLs and athletic WRs.

My point is Woodson is still young in his progression. His upside is immense. I really think he has Carson Palmer-type star power at the next level and he is an extremely markatable player. He is the #1 QB in the country and he will be the top QB in the 2008 NFL Draft class. Keep saying Brian Brohm. When Woodson is the first QB off the board, keep doubting what I say and what I think.